Author Visits to Schools Encourage Kids Literacy
Janette Rallison's Books and Writing Workshops Excite Students
Jan 22, 2009
For years, Janette Rallison books including My Fair Godmother [Walker Books for Young Readers 2009] and Just One Wish [G.P. Putnam's Sons 2009], have helped create enthusiastic readers.
What many may not know, however, is that Rallison herself has been encouraging kids literacy and improving writing skills through her visits to schools. Students who participate in her workshops enjoy hands-on experiences in brainstorming story ideas, building plots, and learning how to be a fiction writer.
Rallison shared some of her experiences as a visiting author with Suite 101 via a January 16, 2009 phone interview.
Becoming a Visiting Author
Suite 101: What were some of the experiences in your life that best prepared you to do author visits at schools?
Rallison: I think taking drama in high school helped. When I became a writer, I didn’t realize I was also going to become a public speaker. So I’m really glad that I had been able to get in front of audiences through drama.
Suite 101: How did you start creating creative writing for children and adults workshops?
Rallison: At first it was just when people – teachers and librarians mostly – found out I was a writer and asked me to speak to their kids. But then my editor informed me I was supposed to be actively out there and speaking. So when my youngest one went to school I started sending out flyers to schools and letting them know what I did and that I was available to come speak about writing books.
Experiences from Author Visits to Schools
Suite 101: What are some of the questions kids always ask you during your visits?
Rallison: I used to always get asked if I knew J.K. Rowling. And I’d have to disappoint everyone by saying, “No, I don’t know her.”
But now everyone asks me if I know Stephenie Meyer – and I do! Which is nice since then all the girls go, “Ohhh!” And I’m cool now, right? (laughs)
Students also always ask if you get to choose the cover that goes with your book and if you designed the cover yourself. They don’t seem to understand that no, not only did I not design the cover myself I had nothing to do with it!
I’ve always had great experiences at schools. The kids are eager and they get excited about reading and writing. There’s always at least one kid in the school who comes up to you and says, “Oh, I’m a writer” and shows you a handwritten notebook full of stories – it’s just so touching!
Reactions from Teachers
Suite 101: What’s the best compliment you’ve received from a teacher?
Rallison: You know, the funny thing about a lot of teachers is that after I give my presentation, they’ll say in this really shocked voice, “Wow! The kids were really good for you!” And that always makes me wonder, “Well, how are they for everyone else? Do authors often run out of here weeping?” But they’ll say, “They were really listening!”
I think the nicest thing they say is that after I come, all of my books are checked out of the library. So it really does make a difference to have an author come in because then kids will want to read their books – and what a great way to get them reading!
Getting an Author to Visit Your School
Janette Rallison teaches creative writing for children and adults at schools, bookstores, libraries, and other venues. Visit her website to learn how she can encourage kids literacy and help with improving writing skills.
Teachers interested in bringing an author or illustrator to their school can also visit the Children’s Literature Author & Illustrator Service which assists schools, museums, conferences and other organizations in identifying authors and illustrators for speaking engagements.
Learn more about Janette’s thoughts on writing at Young Adult Author Shares Her Writing Strategies
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